MENTAL SCIENCE OR ULTIMATE SCIENCE
NATURAL SCIENCES investigate the basic principles and laws of nature
to explain the physical phenomena that have been occurring for
aeons. But they cannot probe the nature of the mind and they fail to
explain the mental phenomena that have enormous influence on
physical phenomena.
Lord Buddha, with His power of omniscience, knew the true
nature of the mind and correctly described the causal relations that
govern mind and matter and thus can explain all psycho-physical
phenomena in the world.
His ultimate teaching, known as Abhidhamma, describes in
detail the natures of the ultimate realities that really exist in nature
but are unknown to scientists. His method of verification is superior
to scientific methods which depend on instruments. He used His
divine-eye to penetrate the coverings that hide the true nature of all
things. He also taught others how to develop concentration and
how to observe with their mind-eyes the true nature of all things
and finally the four Noble Truths which can enlighten one to achieve
one’s liberation from all miseries for ever!
So Abhidhamma may be regarded as Mental Science or Ultimate
Science—the science of the ultimate truths.
THE AGE OF ANALYSIS
PHILOSOPHERS have now come to the age of analysis. But who can
analyse mind and matter correctly and thoroughly as Lord Buddha
has done more than 2500 years ago!
The correct analysis of mind and matter is the greatest achievement
on earth and the discovery of the natural correlations between
mind and matter is the most beneficial discovery ever achieved by
man.
You will gain the greatest benefit if you strenuously study
Abhidhamma which systematically describes the intrinsic natures of
the ultimate comprising mind, matter and permanent peace
(Nibbàna).
MIND CREATES MISERIES AND HAPPINESS
ALL MENTAL PHENOMENA have mind as their forerunner; they have
mind as their chief; they are mind-made.
If one thinks, speaks or acts with an evil mind, misery follows him just
as the wheel follows the hoofs of the ox that draws the cart.
If one thinks, speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows him
like his shadow that never leaves him
—Dhammapada, Verses 1&2
Introducing the Higher Teaching of the Buddha:
Buddha Abhidhamma
Ultimate Science
by
Dr. Mehm Tin Mon
B.Sc.Hons. (Ygn), M.Sc., Ph.D. (USA)
Professor of Chemistry (Rtd.)
Professor of Samatha Meditation
International Theravàda Buddha Missionary University, Yangon
Adviser to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Union of Myanmar
BUDDHA ABHIDHAMMA
Ultimate Science
Copyright © 1995 Dr Mehm Tin Mon
Printed with permission from the author
by
Ven Hui Xin
(Fo Guang Shan Malaysia)
This First Revised Edition—1000 copies (Nov 2002)
Layout and Cover Design
by
Sukhi Hotu Sdn Bhd
42V Jalan Matang Kuching
11500 Air Itam
Penang
Tel 04 8277118 Fax 04 8277228
Email sukhihotu@pd.jaring.my
FOREWORD
The prophecy that an able person would soon appear to
contribute to the world of knowledge in the field of Buddhist
Psycho-ethical-philosophy, which we commonly appreciate as Buddha
Abhidhamma, has now come true.
The prophecy was made by my revered old teacher, Bhaddanta
Nàrada Mahàthera (Aggamahàpandita) who was well-known as the
original Patthàna Master. He made the prophecy in 1952 while I was
studying Yamaka and Patthàna Treatises under his guidance. He assigned
me and my colleague translator, Professor Thein Nyunt, to
translate his writings on Abhidhamma. The task was never fully accomplished
as I was occupied with teaching at the Pàli and Abhidhamma
Department of the University of Yangon and later transferred to the
International Institute of Advanced Buddhistic Studies at Kaba-Aye
as Head of Research Department.
Thereupon my disappointed old teacher, Bhaddanta Nàrada Mahàthera,
with full expectation, prophesied that pretty soon an able
scholar will emerge to accomplish the noble task of presenting
Abhidhamma in English to the world. So now appears a novel and
authentic treatise entitled BUDDHA ABHIDHAMMA—Ultimate Science by
Dr. Mehm Tin Mon.
Dr. Tin Mon is a man of science for he was trained in the University
of Illinois, U.S.A. for his master degree and doctorate degree
in chemistry and then he served his country for several years as
Professor of Chemistry. He is also a man of arts as he has written
several illustrative books on education as well as on Buddhism and
5
his books are widely read by the public. So his approach to Abhidhamma
is very scientific as well as artistic.
Dr. Tin Mon has been conducting long courses as well as short
intensive courses on Abhidhamma in many towns throughout
Myamnar. His Abhidhamma-classes draw the attention of large crowds
as his unique ability to compare Abhidhamma with science as well as
with western philosophy makes the subject very interesting and
stimulating.
He emphasized the fact that the teachings of Lord Buddha in
Abhidhamma are very scientific and that Abhidhamma goes much
deeper than natural sciences encompassing a much wider field. As I
was trained at the Harvard Divinity School and Harvard Graduate
School of Arts and Sciences three decades ago, and has engaged
myself as a research scholar in the field of historical, philosophical
and religious sciences for many years, I heartily agree with Dr. Tin
Mon in regarding Abhidhamma as the Ultimate Science—the science
of the Ultimate Truths.
Culture, Philosophy, History and may other common mundane
subjects can be studied thoroughly through the media of natural and
human sciences. But the divine elements in religious studies can be
robed and realized only by means of Divine Science. However the
ultimate supramundane things which are beyond divinity can be
realized only through the Ultimate Science. So Abhidhamma or
Ultimate Science surpasses all other historical, philosophical and
religious sciences.
Philosophy is a noble science but it cannot be said to excel all
other sciences because it does not embrace the whole universality of
things in Abhidhamma. Abhidhamma analyses mind and matter in
minute detail into ultimate realities and shows the way to eternal
peace call Nibbàna. These ultimate realities are unknown to
philosophy and all other sciences.
6
Dr. Tin Mon enlightens the readers extremely well with his
BUDDHA ABHIDHAMMA—Ultimate Science. A reader can derive more
benefit from this book in one week that from a life-time of pondering
the philosophies of others.
This treatise is really a new version of the Compendium of Buddhist
Philosophy after the design of the well-known book called THE
ABHIDHAMMATHA SANGAHA—The Compendium of Buddhist Philosophy
written by U Shwe Zan Aung and published by the London Pali Text
Society in 1910. Dr. Tin Mon perfected and augmented it still further
by the extraordinary quality of his intellect and all the superb
patrimony of wisdom which he inherited from his predecessors.
As a matter of fact, I have studied the subject in conjunction with
the Ultimate Science at the Department of History and Philosophy
in Harvard University from the theological point of view. But I am
more thoroughly convinced and lucidly enlightened in the conception
and meaningfulness of the subject only now after I have read this
new book presented by Dr. Tin Mon.
It is really a very hard task to write than to read such a profound
work like this. May all scholars therefore unanimously and sincerely
welcome this superb work on Abhidhamma and may Abhidhamma
enlighten the whole world.
24 December 1994
Sao Htun Hmat Win
M.A., A.M., S.R.F. (Harvard)
MAHA SADDHAMMA JOTIKADHAJA
Adviser to the Ministry of Religious Affairs,
Union of Myanmar
Contents
Foreword 4
Preface 17
Buddha’s Teachings ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
The Significance of Abhidhamma ......................................................................................................................................................... 18
What is the Mind? ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
An Intellectual Treat .................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
The Essence of Buddha Abhidhamma ................................................................................................................................................ 23
Introduction 25
A Fitting Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Realities ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
The Four Paramatthas .................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Nàma and Råpa ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
The Purpose of the Ultimate Analysis ............................................................................................................................................. 33
Chapter 1
CITTA
Consciousness 35
Four Classes of Cittas ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Kàmàvacara Cittas ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 36
Akusala Cittas (Immoral Consciousness) .................................................................................................................................... 36
Lobha-måla Cittas .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 37
Dosa-måla Cittas ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 41
Moha-måla Cittas ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Taking stock in a Day ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Ahetuka Cittas (Rootless Consciousness) ................................................................................................................................... 44
Akusala Vipàka Cittas .................................................................................................................................................................................... 45
Ahetuka Kusala Vipàka Cittas ............................................................................................................................................................... 46
Ahetuka Kiriya Cittas ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Kàma-sobhaõa Cittas ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 49
Mahà-kusala Cittas .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Mahà-vipàka Cittas & Mahà-kiriya Cittas .................................................................................................................................. 53
Normal Cittas in a Person ............................
Råpàvacara Cittas ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 54
What is Jhàna? ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 55
Råpàvacara Kusala Cittas .......................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Råpàvacara Vipàka Cittas ............................................................................................................................................................................ 60
Råpàvacara Kiriya Cittas ............................................................................................................................................................................. 60
Aråpàvacara Cittas ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Aråpa Jhànas ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 61
Aråpàvacara Kusala Cittas ....................................................................................................................................................................... 63
Aråpàvacara Vipàka Cittas ........................................................................................................................................................................ 63
Aråpàvacara Kiriya Cittas .......................................................................................................................................................................... 64
Abhi¤¤àõa Cittas (Supernormal Consciousness) .................................................................................................................. 64
Lokuttara Cittas ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 65
Lokuttara Kusala Cittas ............................................................................................................................................................................. 66
Five Jhàna Sotàpatti Magga Cittas .................................................................................................................................................... 67
Lokuttara Vipàka Cittas .............................................................................................................................................................................. 68
Five Jhàna Arahatta Phala Cittas .................................................................................................................................................... 69
Quick Review Over Cittas ............................................................................................................................................................................ 70
Chapter 2
CETASIKAS
Mental Factors 75
Characteristics of Cetasikas ................................................................................................................................................................... 75
Which is more powerful? .............................................................................................................................................................................. 75
Classification of Cetasikas ......................................................................................................................................................................... 76
A¤¤asamàna Cetasikas .................................................................................................................................................................................. 77
Sabbacitta-sàdhàraõa Cetasikas ......................................................................................................................................................... 77
Significance of Sabbacitta-sàdhàraõa ......................................................................................................................................... 81
Pakiõõaka Cetasikas .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 82
Akusala Cetasikas .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 85
Sobhaõa Cetasikas .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 93
Sobhana-sàdhàrana Cetasikas ............................................................................................................................................................... 93
Virati Cetasikas .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 100
Appama¤¤à Cetasikas ................................................................................................................................................................................... 101
Pa¤¤indriya ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 103
Association of each Cetasika with different Cittas ....................................................................................................... 103
Union of A¤¤asamàna Cetasikas ...................................................................................................................................................... 104
Union of Akusala Cetasikas ................................................................................................................................................................... 105
Union of Sobhaõa Cetasikas .................................................................................................................................................................. 105
Different Combinations of Cetasikas with Different Cittas ................................................................................... 106
Niyata-yogis and Aniyata-yogis ........................................................................................................................................................... 112
Doing the Impossible ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 116
Chapter 3
PAKIööAKA
Miscellaneous Section 119
Vedanà Saïgaha ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 119
Classification of Cittas according to Feeling ...................................................................................................................... 120
Hetu Saïgaha ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 121
Classifications of Cittas according to Roots ........................................................................................................................ 122
Kicca Saïgaha ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 122
The Cittas performing the respective Functions ................................................................................................................ 123
òhàna............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 125
Dvàra Saïgaha ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 126
The Cittas in each Door ............................................................................................................................................................................. 127
Alambaõa Saïgaha ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 129
Cittas and Sense-objects according to Doors ....................................................................................................................... 130
Individual Cittas and Sense-objects ............................................................................................................................................... 130
Vatthu Saïgaha ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 132
Vatthu and Bhåmi ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 133
Vi¤¤àna-dhàtu .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 134
Classification of Cittas according to Vatthu ....................................................................................................................... 134
Chapter 4
VäTHI
Cognitive Series 137
Process of Consciousness .......................................................................................................................................................................... 137
The Life-span of Citta ................................................................................................................................................................................... 137
The life-span of Råpa ................................................................................................
Six Types of Vi¤¤àõa ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 138
Six Types of Vãthi ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 139
The Causes for the Arising of Vãthi ................................................................................................................................................ 140
Six Types of Visayappavatti ......................................................................................................................................................................... 142
Vãthi-cittas and Vãthi-vimutti Cittas ............................................................................................................................................. 142
Three Types of Identical Cittas ........................................................................................................................................................... 143
Maraõàsanna Nimitta ................................................................................................................................................................................. 144
Three types of Bhavaïga Cittas .......................................................................................................................................................... 146
Cakkhu-dvàra Vãthis ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 147
Pa¤cadvàra-vãthis ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 156
The Simile of a Mango-fruit ................................................................................................................................................................... 156
Pa¤cadvàra-vãthi Cittas ............................................................................................................................................................................. 157
The object & the Vatthu taken by each Vãthi-citta .......................................................................................................... 159
Mano-dvàra Vãthi ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 160
Kàma-javana Mano-dvàra Vãthis ........................................................................................................................................................ 161
Kama-javana-mano-dvàra-vãthi Cittas ........................................................................................................................................ 163
Secondary Mano-dvàra Vãthis ............................................................................................................................................................. 163
Practical Verification ................................................................................................................................................................................. 164
Appanà-javana Mano-dvàra Vãthis ................................................................................................................................................... 165
Five Råpàvacara Appanà Vãthis ........................................................................................................................................................... 166
Four Aråpàvacara Appanà Vãthis ...................................................................................................................................................... 168
Jhàna Samàpatti Vãthis ................................................................................................................................................................................ 170
Abhi¤¤à Appanà Vãthis ................................................................................................................................................................................ 172
Magga Appanà Vãthis .................................................................................................................................................................................... 174
Phala-samàpatti Vãthis ............................................................................................................................................................................... 176
Nirodha-samàpatti Vãthi ............................................................................................................................................................................ 178
Vipàka Niyàma ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 180
Frequency of Kàma-javanas .................................................................................................................................................................... 180
Frequency of Appanà-javanas ............................................................................................................................................................... 181
Procedure of Tadàlambaõa .................................................................................................................................................................... 182
âgantuka Bhavaïga....................................................................................................................................................................................... 182
Bhåmi and Cittas ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 183
Puggala-bheda .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 183
Puggala and Cittas ...................................................................................
Chapter 5
VäTHIMUT or BHæMI
Planes of Existence 187
Vãthimutta Cittas ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 187
Fourfold Catukkas .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 187
Four planes of Existence ............................................................................................................................................................................ 188
Situation of Bhåmis ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 189
Bhåmi and Persons ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 192
Four Modes of Rebirth (Pañisandhi-catukka) .......................................................................................................................... 193
Person and Pañisandhi .................................................................................................................................................................................. 193
The Method of Naming Råpa-planes .............................................................................................................................................. 195
Four Modes of Conceiving ....................................................................................................................................................................... 196
Life-spans of Beings ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 197
Four Kinds of Kamma (Kamma-catukka) .................................................................................................................................... 202
Kicca-kamma Catukka .................................................................................................................................................................................. 204
Pàkadànapariyàya-kamma Catukka ................................................................................................................................................ 205
The Simile of a Cattle-shed ..................................................................................................................................................................... 208
Pàkakàla-kamma Catukka ....................................................................................................................................................................... 209
Pàkathàna-kamma Catukka ................................................................................................................................................................... 211
Kamma-dvàra and three Types of Kamma ................................................................................................................................. 212
Ten Akusala-kamma-pathas .................................................................................................................................................................... 213
Ten Kusala-kamma-pathas ....................................................................................................................................................................... 214
Pu¤¤a-kiriya Vatthu (Bases of Meritorious Action) ........................................................................................................ 214
Dvihetuka and Tihetuka Kusala Kamma ................................................................................................................................... 216
Ukkaññha and Omaka Kusala Kamma .......................................................................................................................................... 216
How Kammas Bear Results ....................................................................................................................................................................... 217
Fourfold Advent of Death (Maraõ’uppatti-catukka) ................................................................................................... 222
Appearance of Kamma-related Objects ....................................................................................................................................... 223
Maraõàsanna Vãthi ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 224
Rebirth-consciousness .................................................................................................................................................................................. 226
Planes of Rebirth after Death ........................................................................
Chapter 6
RæPA
Compendium of Matter 229
Introductory ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 229
What is Råpa? ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 229
Råpa-samuddesa (Enumeration of Råpa) .................................................................................................................................... 230
Four Mahàbhåtas (Four Great Essentials) ............................................................................................................................... 231
24 Upàdà-råpas (Twenty-four Derivatives) ............................................................................................................................... 233
Five Pasàda-råpas (Sensitive Material Qualities) ............................................................................................................... 234
Seven Gocara-råpas (Material Qualities of Sense Objects) ..................................................................................... 234
Two Bhàva-råpas (Material Qualities of Sex) ......................................................................................................................... 235
Two Bhàva-råpas ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 235
Jãvita-råpa (Material Quality of Life) .......................................................................................................................................... 235
âhàra-råpa/Ojà (Material Quality of Nutrition) .......................................................................................................... 236
Pariccheda-råpa/âkàsa-dhàtu ........................................................................................................................................................... 236
Two Vi¤¤atti-råpas (Material Qualities of Communication) .................................................................................. 236
Five Vikàra-råpas (Material Qualities of Mutability) .................................................................................................. 237
Four Lakkhaõa-råpas (Material Qualities of Characteristics) .......................................................................... 237
Eighteen Nipphanna-råpas ....................................................................................................................................................................... 238
Ten Anipphana-råpas ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 239
Råpa-vibhàga (Criticism on Råpa) ...................................................................................................................................................... 239
Fire in Water and Water in Fire! .......................................................................................................................................................... 243
Råpa-samuññhàna ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 243
Types of Råpa ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 246
Grouping of Material Qualities (Råpa-kalàpa) ................................................................................................................... 247
Internal and External Kalàpas ........................................................................................................................................................ 250
Råpa-pavattikkama ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 251
Material Phenomena at Death ........................................................................................................................................................... 252
Arising of Material Phenomena in Råpa-planes ................................................................................................................. 253
Summary of Material Phenomena .................................................................................................................................................... 254
Practical Observations ............................................................................................................................................................................... 254
Nibbàna ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 256
Three Modes of Nibbàna ............................................................................................................................................................................. 258
Some more Definitions of Nibbàna .................................................................................................................................................... 258
Chapter 6
RæPA
Compendium of Matter 229
Introductory ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 229
What is Råpa? ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 229
Råpa-samuddesa (Enumeration of Råpa) .................................................................................................................................... 230
Four Mahàbhåtas (Four Great Essentials) ............................................................................................................................... 231
24 Upàdà-råpas (Twenty-four Derivatives) ............................................................................................................................... 233
Five Pasàda-råpas (Sensitive Material Qualities) ............................................................................................................... 234
Seven Gocara-råpas (Material Qualities of Sense Objects) ..................................................................................... 234
Two Bhàva-råpas (Material Qualities of Sex) ......................................................................................................................... 235
Two Bhàva-råpas ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 235
Jãvita-råpa (Material Quality of Life) .......................................................................................................................................... 235
âhàra-råpa/Ojà (Material Quality of Nutrition) .......................................................................................................... 236
Pariccheda-råpa/âkàsa-dhàtu ........................................................................................................................................................... 236
Two Vi¤¤atti-råpas (Material Qualities of Communication) .................................................................................. 236
Five Vikàra-råpas (Material Qualities of Mutability) .................................................................................................. 237
Four Lakkhaõa-råpas (Material Qualities of Characteristics) .......................................................................... 237
Eighteen Nipphanna-råpas ....................................................................................................................................................................... 238
Ten Anipphana-råpas ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 239
Råpa-vibhàga (Criticism on Råpa) ...................................................................................................................................................... 239
Fire in Water and Water in Fire! .......................................................................................................................................................... 243
Råpa-samuññhàna ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 243
Types of Råpa ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 246
Grouping of Material Qualities (Råpa-kalàpa) ................................................................................................................... 247
Internal and External Kalàpas ........................................................................................................................................................ 250
Råpa-pavattikkama ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 251
Material Phenomena at Death ........................................................................................................................................................... 252
Arising of Material Phenomena in Råpa-planes ................................................................................................................. 253
Summary of Material Phenomena .................................................................................................................................................... 254
Practical Observations ............................................................................................................................................................................... 254
Nibbàna ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 256
Three Modes of Nibbàna ............................................................................................................................................................................. 258
Some more Definitions of Nibbàna .................................................................................................................................................... 258
